10+ Best Diary Books for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect diary books for 12-year-olds that will captivate and engage your young reader? You've landed in the right place! Whether they love jotting down their thoughts or diving into the lives of characters their age, diary-style books are a fantastic way to enhance literacy and emotional understanding. Keep reading to discover our handpicked selections of diary books tailored specifically for 12-year-olds, guaranteed to keep them hooked from the first page to the last!

Fun Diary Books for 12-Year-Olds

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follow the adventures and misadventures of Greg Heffley as he navigates the challenges of middle school with his best friend Rowley. Told through diary entries and humorous illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's relatable and funny, making it a great choice for kids who might be hesitant about reading. The diary format and illustrations keep it engaging.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a good laugh and stories about school life.

• Dork Diaries by Rachel Renée Russell
  • Genre(s): Humor, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: This series details the life of Nikki Maxwell as she deals with the ups and downs of middle school, including dealing with bullies, crushes, and friendship dramas.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's filled with drama and humor, perfect for readers who enjoy seeing characters their age tackle similar social situations.
  • Perfect for: Pre-teens who love stories about friendship and navigating school dynamics.

• The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Historical, Biography
  • Synopsis: The real-life diary entries of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in World War II.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a poignant, eye-opening perspective on the impacts of war and prejudice, told through the voice of a young girl.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and inspirational real-life stories.

• Tom Gates by Liz Pichon
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This series follows Tom Gates, a creative and quirky boy who doodles and details his way through life's ups and downs in school and at home.
  • Why we recommend this book: The doodle-filled diary format makes it fun and easy to read, which is great for keeping kids engaged and entertained.
  • Perfect for: Children who love drawing, doodling, or are looking for a light-hearted, fun read.

• Amelia's Notebook by Marissa Moss
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Journal
  • Synopsis: Amelia records her thoughts and experiences in a notebook, sharing her feelings about family, friends, and school.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and self-expression through its notebook-style presentation and first-person narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy interactive and creative formats that inspire them to write and draw.

Educational Diary Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 3/4 by Sue Townsend
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book is a hilarious glimpse into the troubled teenage world of Adrian Mole as he navigates the complexities of adolescence, including issues with his parents, his crush on Pandora, and his quest to become an intellectual.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of adolescence issues, empathy, humor, and writing skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a funny, endearing look at teenage life that mixes humor with the genuine difficulties of growing up.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy a laugh and can relate to the trials and tribulations of adolescence.

• Dear Dumb Diary by Jim Benton
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Follow the sarcastic and witty Jamie Kelly as she writes about her life in middle school, dealing with friends, enemies, and her day-to-day adventures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative writing, reading comprehension, and critical thinking about social relationships.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's filled with humor and the unique perspective of an outspoken and imaginative protagonist.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate a funny, candid take on school and life from a peer's viewpoint.

• The Wimpy Kid Do-It-Yourself Book by Jeff Kinney
  • Genre(s): Activity Book, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This interactive diary allows kids to document their own stories and includes original comics, writing prompts, and quizzes from the world of Greg Heffley.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, writing skills, and self-expression.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages readers to be creative and write their own diary entries, blending fun activities with the familiar humor of the Wimpy Kid series.
  • Perfect for: Fans of the Wimpy Kid series and young writers who want to create their own diary or comic book.

• My Secret Unicorn: A Special Friend by Linda Chapman, illustrated by Biz Hull
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Fiction
  • Synopsis: In her diary, Lauren writes about her life and her secret friend, Twilight, who is a unicorn. Together, they share magical adventures and everyday challenges.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Imagination, empathy, and understanding of friendship.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the appeal of fantasy with relatable real-life situations, making it both captivating and educational.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love animals, fantasy, and stories of friendship and magic.

Challenging Diary Books for 12-Year-Olds

• The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, illustrated by Ellen Forney
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Deciding to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the rez to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex themes of racial identity, poverty, and adolescence with a raw and honest tone.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful, heartfelt story that doesn't shy away from difficult truths. It offers a unique perspective that is both enlightening and deeply moving.
  • Perfect for: Teens looking for a story that challenges perceptions and presents real-world issues.

• Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: The diary of Catherine, a spirited young woman living in medieval England, details her daily life, the societal expectations she rebels against, and her clever attempts to avoid the suitors her father chooses for her.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features archaic language and deep historical context that require a higher level of comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a vivid portrayal of the medieval period through the eyes of a strong, young female protagonist, encouraging readers to consider historical perspectives and gender roles.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical settings and stories of spirited young women defying the odds.

• The Mozart Season by Virginia Euwer Wolff
  • Genre(s): Music, Fiction
  • Synopsis: This book recounts the story of Allegra Shapiro, a twelve-year-old violinist who spends a summer preparing for a prestigious violin competition while also coming to terms with her family's complex dynamics and the recent death of her beloved grandmother.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into sophisticated themes of grief, artistic expression, and personal growth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines the challenges of mastering an art form with the universal themes of growing up and dealing with family issues.
  • Perfect for: Young musicians or any reader who appreciates a deep, introspective look into personal and artistic development.

• Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Fiction
  • Synopsis: Young Harriet Welsch is a spy who meticulously notes down everything about everyone she observes. However, her life turns upside down when her private notebook is discovered by her classmates.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores complex themes of privacy, trust, and betrayal through the eyes of a young protagonist.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling read that offers a mix of mystery and drama, while also prompting readers to think about the consequences of their actions.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young detectives and readers who enjoy stories about secrets and challenges of social life.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of diary books and you're around 12 years old, you're in for a treat! Not only are these books super engaging, but they also offer a fantastic way to develop your reading habits. Here are some exercises that can help you get the most out of your reading experience:

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and creates a sense of achievement.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home for reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus by associating one place with reading.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, comfortable, and has good lighting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and gives new perspectives.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club to make discussions a regular event.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

• Read at a Regular Time
  • What it is: Choose a specific time each day dedicated solely to reading.
  • How it helps: Builds a lasting reading habit.
  • Tips: Reading before bed can be a great way to unwind.

• Use a Dictionary
  • What it is: Keep a dictionary nearby to look up words you don’t know.
  • How it helps: Expands vocabulary and enhances understanding of the text.
  • Tips: Consider using a dictionary app for convenience.

• Visualize the Story
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes as you read them.
  • How it helps: Makes the reading experience more enjoyable and memorable.
  • Tips: Pause after a few pages to reflect on and visualize what happened.

• Challenge Yourself With New Genres
  • What it is: Occasionally pick books from genres outside your usual favorites.
  • How it helps: Broadens your perspectives and exposes you to new ideas.
  • Tips: Start with genres that are somewhat similar to what you already like.

So, why not try out these exercises? They’re not just about improving how you read, but also about making reading a fun and integral part of your daily life. Happy reading!